THIRTY artists are looking at the big picture when they combine their efforts in a fundraiser for Hospiscare, writes David Beasley. Organised by Newton Poppleford Art Society, The Big Picture follows last year's successful fusion of charity fund-raising w

THIRTY artists are looking at the big picture when they combine their efforts in a fundraiser for Hospiscare, writes David Beasley.Organised by Newton Poppleford Art Society, The Big Picture follows last year's successful fusion of charity fund-raising with their annual exhibition, where over £1,000 was raised when 25 artists donated a picture to be sold for a minimum of £25, during Hospicecare's 25th anniversary .This year's exhibition features the Society's interpretation of an L S Lowry painting, The Fever Van; and each artist will paint an eight inch square canvas of their segment of the picture. These will be joined together in a 'patchwork' to produce a finished picture - and each member make a donation to Hospiscare for their own canvas, and be sponsored by individuals and local businesses.The Society has supported Hospicare following their care of the wife of Chairman, Roger Boud in December - and Colin Baines of the Society said: "We chose The Fever Van because it is one of the few paintings with detail throughout the picture."With some pictures like a Constable the details get more sparce at the corners, and we didn't want artists just painting a bit of sky!"Bearne's auctioneers in Exeter recently achieved highest price ever paid for a pencil drawing - £49,000 for a Lowry picture of a footbridge - so the artists are confident that their unique version of the famous picture will be a popular exhibit. Amy Griffiths, Communications Officer at Hospiscare, said: "It's such a different idea, so I am really looking forward to seeing the 'Big Picture' at the exhibition. "The mix of styles coming together in this unusual piece of artwork will be fascinating. I would like to thank all the artists involved for their time and generosity."In the Newton Poppleford area, five nurses based at Sidmouth Hospiscare visit people in their own homes, supporting patients and their families with free and specialised care. The 'Big Picture' will also be going on display at Hospiscare in Exeter - and the Society's Annual Art Exhibition is at Newton Poppleford Primary School, from 10am to 6pm each day from July 30 to August 6.